View Full Version : The Importance Of The Fruit Of The Spirit.
Scott Hutchinson
07-02-2009, 01:43 PM
Why is it in Spirit Filled churches we hear alot of emphasis on the audible manifestations of The Holy Ghost,which are important ,yet one hears very little emphasis placed on manifesting the fruit of the Spirit which to me show how Christian character is displayed,yet there are many who can speak in tongues till they are blue in the face ,prophesy and such and have very little if any at all of the fruit of the Spirit manifest in their daily lives ?
Why is there very little emphasis placed on the importance of having the fruit of the Spirit to manifest themselves in the life of a disciple of Christ ?
I feel one can speak in tongues work in the gifts and such,and be very fruitful in manifesting the fruit of the Spirit.
RandyWayne
07-02-2009, 02:03 PM
One is easy, one is hard.
Nuff said
Scott Hutchinson
07-02-2009, 02:05 PM
Gifts are given,yet fruit is grown and cultivated.
Would not a life yielded to The Master produce The Fruit Of His Holy Spirit ?
Scott Hutchinson
07-02-2009, 02:07 PM
One is easy, one is hard.
Nuff said
Please elaborate,because they are people who one nevers hears them publicly aubidly manifest a vocal utterance of The Holy Ghost,yet show the fruit of The Spirit in their lives.
Withdrawn
07-02-2009, 02:08 PM
Scott,
The GIFTS are much more glamorous and attract attention to the gifted (self). Thus the attraction and the predominance of it. It feeds our egos and makes us look super-spiritual.
Self-sacrifice and 1 Corinthians 13 love (notice the connection between how Paul describes love/charity in 1 Cor 13 and the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians) are not nearly as glamorous. They tend to focus on others and on God, thus denying self (and egos and agendas, etc). I don't think the "fruits of the Spirit" have EVER put anyone in the limelight. In fact, the fruits SHY AWAY from the limelight.
That's why. IMO, of course. :lol
Withdrawn
07-02-2009, 02:11 PM
Gifts are given,yet fruit is grown and cultivated.
Would not a life yielded to The Master produce The Fruit Of His Holy Spirit ?Good point, brother! A life yielded to the Master absolutely will produce fruit. If it isn't, the connection to the Vine has been severed and that branch is dead. The "gifts" can be easily faked/mimicked. The fruits... not so much.
Scott Hutchinson
07-02-2009, 02:13 PM
Scott,
The GIFTS are much more glamorous and attract attention to the gifted (self). Thus the attraction and the predominance of it. It feeds our egos and makes us look super-spiritual.
Self-sacrifice and 1 Corinthians 13 love (notice the connection between how Paul describes love/charity in 1 Cor 13 and the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians) are not nearly as glamorous. They tend to focus on others and on God, thus denying self (and egos and agendas, etc). I don't think the "fruits of the Spirit" have EVER put anyone in the limelight. In fact, the fruits SHY AWAY from the limelight.
That's why. IMO, of course. :lol
Good points how many times do we hear pastors urging the believer to seek God,till the fruit of the Spirit are developed in their lives ?
People in the workplace never hear us speak in tongues,yet they see what manner of disposition we manifest amongs't them.
When we are baptized with The Holy Ghost do we not receive power to manifest the fruit of The Holy Ghost ?
RandyWayne
07-02-2009, 02:15 PM
Please elaborate,because they are people who one nevers hears them publicly aubidly manifest a vocal utterance of The Holy Ghost,yet show the fruit of The Spirit in their lives.
The bible simply does NOT say "you shall know them by their unknown tongues", but rather by their fruits. Yet, the church has gotten that backwards (almost said donkey backwards) and put ALL evidence on tongues (and dress).
I too know people who are Christians, but have never been "apostolic" yet show FAR more biblical fruits than I see from most others, including (I am ashamed to say) myself. Why are these people condemned to eternal torment by certain die-hards? Because to NOT do so, unravels THEIR whole world view and even takes a bit of political power away from them.
So many LOVE to hear a good strong holiness message preached that they can "amen!" too because they know that everything said is aimed at Mr or Mrs X who are sitting right behind or ahead of them. And everyone knows what Mr and Mrs X are struggling with -they need a good correction from the pulpit! Never mind that Mr and Mrs X may be giving to far more charities than the people doing all the "amen!"ing or that Mr X stopped to help a little old lady with a flat tire on the side of the road.
mfblume
07-02-2009, 02:25 PM
Fruit of the Spirit means everything. Gifts do not.
People can SEE and HEAR gifts operated, but fruit of the Spirit is character, and so is not so sensational and appealing to the flesh.
The Corinthians came behind in no gift (1 Cor 1:7) and yet were striving and dividing with one another. The phrase "they're Corinthians" is used by many who understand this to criticize those who are enamoured over gifts but have not fruit.
Scott Hutchinson
07-02-2009, 02:28 PM
I'm pentecostal in theology and I firmily believe in the initial evidence teaching,but I don't believe in neglecting the fruit of the Spirit,I think a balance is needed.
I think we can speak in tongues and be kind and sweet as well.
You folks have a great Christ centered afternoon,I must be off to work.
mfblume
07-02-2009, 02:42 PM
As has been implied by some, and I personally agree, does everyone agree that "By their fruits ye shall know them" (in Matt 7) applies to fruit of the Spirit?
Timmy
07-02-2009, 02:55 PM
I'm pentecostal in theology and I firmily believe in the initial evidence teaching,but I don't believe in neglecting the fruit of the Spirit,I think a balance is needed.
I think we can speak in tongues and be kind and sweet as well.
You folks have a great Christ centered afternoon,I must be off to work.
One can be kind and sweet without speaking in tongues, too. The "signs" and the "fruit" are pretty much independent. (Some might say they are inversely proportional, but I won't! Not on AFF! :toofunny)
Timmy
07-02-2009, 03:05 PM
:popcorn2
MikeinAR
07-02-2009, 07:53 PM
This is a great topic Scott. It needs MUCH more emphasis in Pentecostal churches. I grew up in an AOG church and, regretably, we heard very little about the fruits of the Spirit being manifested in our lives, but A LOT about speaking in tongues.
Randy's exactly right. Our fruit is how Christ is presented to a lost world. I wholeheartedly agree that we all need to preach, teach, small group, discuss more about the fruits of the Spirit.
giftofgrace
07-02-2009, 11:50 PM
Amen! This is true christianity. Without love, we have nothing. I truly believe this NEEDS to be more prevalent above everything else. How many times in the Bible do we see that we will be known as children of God by our fruits, by our love, how we love one another, by our words, by our actions. Not by our prophecies, scriptural knowledge, ability to play music, preach, or or spiritual "gifts", which are just that. Of course, these are all privileges of our christian walk and important as well but if we do not have the fruit of the Spirit prevaling in our lives it's all in vain. I think it would be wonderful to hear as much time spent preaching on the fruits, true holiness, loving one another and seeking righteousness in our lives constantly than issues such as wearing the right clothes, how much we speak in tongues and picking out how right we are and how wrong every other religion is. Amazing what it would do if all the vanity, superficiality and insignificant petty issues would just cease and true religion would push forward.
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 12:23 AM
Of course the fruit of The Spirit is a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer,I personally feel a much neglected aspect of the Spirit filled experience.
If we are in communion with Christ and we are abiding in Him,the seed that He has deposited in us will bear His life in us.
The fruit of the Spirit are attributes of a Christ centered life.
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 12:26 AM
As has been implied by some, and I personally agree, does everyone agree that "By their fruits ye shall know them" (in Matt 7) applies to fruit of the Spirit?
It can and it does imply that,but your fruit is the life you live and what your life produces.
The totality of your lifestyle encompasses the fruit you bear,and it certainly this does include the fruit of the Spirit.
Falla39
07-03-2009, 07:17 AM
As has been implied by some, and I personally agree, does everyone agree that "By their fruits ye shall know them" (in Matt 7) applies to fruit of the Spirit?
Bro. Blume,
I agree that the fruit mentioned in Matt 7 applies of the fruit of the Spirit
as in Gal.5:22,23,
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Another passage of scripture I like to read along with Galatians is,
2 Peter 1:3-10,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Falla39
RevDWW
07-03-2009, 10:59 AM
Personally, I do a lot of teaching and preaching on being fruit producers to my 11 year old class, an adult class I teach every so often, and in the prisons.
The Spirit brings the gifts but we must produce the fruit. While it's more blessed to give then to receive spiritually, in the flesh it's much easier to receive then to give.
RevDWW
07-03-2009, 11:05 AM
The seed is in the fruit. How likely is it that the seed will be propagated if the flesh of the fruit is unpalatable?
jaxfam6
07-03-2009, 12:27 PM
Gifts are given,yet fruit is grown and cultivated.
Would not a life yielded to The Master produce The Fruit Of His Holy Spirit ?
Oh boy Scott did you just hit on something there. Our pastor talked about that very thing Wed in Bible study.
MikeinAR
07-03-2009, 12:29 PM
The Spirit brings the gifts but we must produce the fruit.
I'd like to see you discuss that aspect a little more Rev. Specifically, what you mean by "we must produce".
jaxfam6
07-03-2009, 12:45 PM
I'd like to see you discuss that aspect a little more Rev. Specifically, what you mean by "we must produce".
I think he is right. If we DO NOT produce fruit then we are not really known as to who we belong to, God or satan. As Jesus cursed the olive tree because it did not bear fruit I think those that never bring forth their fruit he will cast them out because not only did they, obviously, never know Him but he does not know them. So therefore if you want to make it in you better produce some fruit so God knows you are His. (not that he really needs you to but by producing fruit EVERYONE else knows you are His)
does that make any sense?
MikeinAR
07-03-2009, 12:50 PM
I think he is right. If we DO NOT produce fruit then we are not really known as to who we belong to, God or satan. As Jesus cursed the olive tree because it did not bear fruit I think those that never bring forth their fruit he will cast them out because not only did they, obviously, never know Him but he does not know them. So therefore if you want to make it in you better produce some fruit so God knows you are His. (not that he really needs you to but by producing fruit EVERYONE else knows you are His)
does that make any sense?
I was getting more to the "we must produce" the fruit. I'm not sure I believe that the "gifts" have anything to do with producing the "fruit" in us. I'm not sure that "we" produce the fruit. I believe that the Holy Spirit produces that fruit in us which then conveys to a lost world.
The fruits of the spirit aren't the same as the fruits of our labor for Christ such as winning souls and accomplishing things for Kingdom of God. I don't see that we "produce" the fruits of the spirit.
I guess it probably comes down to how we're defining "produce".
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 12:52 PM
REVDWW I'm glad you are teaching young people,and I'm sure you are doing an awesome job.
I'm also glad you are reaching souls for Christ that are in prison.
Since the fruit is fruit of the Spirit,the Spirit produces the fruit, however we must yield to the Holy Spirit and ,walk after the Spirit,the more yielded to the Spirit we are the greater the crop so to speak.
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 12:58 PM
I would say that the fruit of the Spirit are a differing aspect of the Spirit's work in the believer.
While it is the same Holy Spirit that manifests,the gifts the fruit of the Spirit is an differing aspect of the work of The Spirit.
The way I see it,is that there is different workings of The Holy Ghost in the life of the believer.
Spirit Filled groups,mostly emphasize one aspect of the work of The Spirit and neglect the other workings of the blessed Holy Ghost.
MikeinAR
07-03-2009, 12:59 PM
REVDWW I'm glad you are teaching young people,and I'm sure you are doing an awesome job.
I'm also glad you are reaching souls for Christ that are in prison.
Since the fruit is fruit of the Spirit,the Spirit produces the fruit, however we must yield to the Holy Spirit and ,walk after the Spirit,the more yielded to the Spirit we are the greater the crop so to speak.
I completely agree. When we walk after the spirit, wholely, then the fruits of the Spirit are evident in our lives.
MikeinAR
07-03-2009, 01:02 PM
I would say that the fruit of the Spirit are a differing aspect of the Spirit's work in the believer.
While it is the same Holy Spirit that manifests,the gifts the fruit of the Spirit is an differing aspect of the work of The Spirit.
The way I see it,is that there is different workings of The Holy Ghost in the life of the believer.
Spirit Filled groups,mostly emphasize one aspect of the work of The Spirit and neglect the other workings of the blessed Holy Ghost.
That's my point also Scott. I don't see the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning spirits, tongues, interpretation of tonuges, administration and helps being the producers of all of the fruits of the Spirit in our individual lives.
I see the two as different works of the Holy Spirit.
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 01:02 PM
This might sound crazy for a believer that believes that everything that was for the early church is for Christians today,I think teachings on the gifts have been worked to death,while instruction on the fruit of the Spirit has been tossed aside for the fun stuff and Spiritual fireworks.
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 01:03 PM
That's my point also Scott. I don't see the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning spirits, tongues, interpretation of tonuges, administration and helps being the producers of all of the fruits of the Spirit in our individual lives.
I see the two as different works of the Holy Spirit.
Yes I agree.I feel we can have both,to me it's not a either or situation.
MikeinAR
07-03-2009, 01:04 PM
This might sound crazy for a believerthat believes that everything that was for the early church is for Christians today,I think teachings on the gifts have been worked to death,while instruction on the fruit of the Spirit has been tossed aside for the fun stuff and Spiritual fireworks.
I think you should go ahead and preach that sermon and when you're done, we'll pass the plate and take up an offering. :hanky :highfive
jaxfam6
07-03-2009, 01:05 PM
I was getting more to the "we must produce" the fruit. I'm not sure I believe that the "gifts" have anything to do with producing the "fruit" in us. I'm not sure that "we" produce the fruit. I believe that the Holy Spirit produces that fruit in us which then conveys to a lost world.
The fruits of the spirit aren't the same as the fruits of our labor for Christ such as winning souls and accomplishing things for Kingdom of God. I don't see that we "produce" the fruits of the spirit.
I guess it probably comes down to how we're defining "produce".
I do not agree completely. Yes to produce the Fruit of the Spirit we must have the Spirit to start with but we must cultivate it to get it to produce. I have seen many go down in baptism and claim to have received the Holy Ghost and never seen anything remotely close to Love, Joy, Peace, Long Suffering, etc etc in them. Also people can truly be converted and truly receive the Holy Ghost and still have a problem with those areas. They, because of the Spirit, work on it and do better but it is not automatic in them.
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 01:06 PM
No one really wants patience,because who desires trials ? yet trials work patience in us.
When The Lord,has His plow in His Hand He works us over good,but the end result brings Glory to Him.
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 01:08 PM
Thanks MIKEINAR if The Lords opens the doors I do intend to teach on this subject.
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 01:11 PM
One things that prompts my interest in this subject,when I see the lack of the fruit in my own experience,which I desire to have a closer with God.
When I look in my own heart,I see things that don't please The Father.
RandyWayne
07-03-2009, 01:14 PM
I do not agree completely. Yes to produce the Fruit of the Spirit we must have the Spirit to start with but we must cultivate it to get it to produce. I have seen many go down in baptism and claim to have received the Holy Ghost and never seen anything remotely close to Love, Joy, Peace, Long Suffering, etc etc in them. Also people can truly be converted and truly receive the Holy Ghost and still have a problem with those areas. They, because of the Spirit, work on it and do better but it is not automatic in them.
I actually think the fruits ARE there to varying degrees in everyone who has genuinely repented and receiving the HG. But people still have to deal with their native personalities and unfortunately that is combined with a culture in which the wrong fruits (aka, 'standards') are emphasized.
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 01:20 PM
Notice that the word fruit singular is used in GAL.5:22 and love starts off the list,see joy,peace,long-suffering,gentleness,goodness,faith,Meekness,tempe rance are all differing aspects of love.
If one is rooted in true Christian charity,then the differing aspects of love will manifest themselves.
RevDWW
07-03-2009, 01:23 PM
Just as a branch can not produce fruit on its on, but must be part of the tree supported but the trunk and fed by the root and producing photo-synthesis in it's leaves, we can not bear fruit all on our on. We must do the part of the branch (our part) to produce the fruit and allow Jesus to do the part of the root/vice/trunk.
RevDWW
07-03-2009, 01:24 PM
Notice that the word fruit singular is used in GAL.5:22 and love starts off the list,see joy,peace,long-suffering,gentleness,goodness,faith,Meekness,tempe rance are all differing aspects of love.
If one is rooted in true Christian charity,then the differing aspects of love will manifest themselves.
One fruit just like an apple tree produces an apple and in the apple are various vitamins and minerals.
Scott Hutchinson
07-03-2009, 01:27 PM
One fruit just like an apple tree produces an apple and in the apple are various vitamins and minerals.
Amen,go ahead and preach REVDWW cause you can carry the mail.
MikeinAR
07-03-2009, 01:27 PM
I actually think the fruits ARE there to varying degrees in everyone who has genuinely repented and receiving the HG. But people still have to deal with their native personalities and unfortunately that is combined with a culture in which the wrong fruits (aka, 'standards') are emphasized.
That's an interesting point. Maybe for the fruits to be displayed prominently in our lives, the flesh must be crucified daily so that we walk after the things of the Spirit?
RandyWayne
07-03-2009, 01:40 PM
That's an interesting point. Maybe for the fruits to be displayed prominently in our lives, the flesh must be crucified daily so that we walk after the things of the Spirit?
Yes, the wrong culture is emphasized. Imagine if we knew everyone walking into the church doors was a Christian based on their sunny dispositions and overall friendliness rather then the clean shaven faces, skirts and poofs?
And since everyone has bad days, this IS truly hard! It is why it is not hammered day in and day out like other "standards" are -no automatic "amens!" when a preacher screams for "people to be long suffering toward your neighbor!". After all, they have Jezebel in the vocabulary when mentioning make-up. No such euphemism for long suffering, meekness and love.
mfblume
07-03-2009, 01:55 PM
I always think of the two trees in the Garden when I read Matt 7's reference to the fruit. Even the way of the tree of life is repeated by Jesus just before He mentions false prophets and fruit, when Jesus spoke of few that find the way that leads to life.
In prayer for understanding how I recognize the fruit of the true and the false, the Lord seemed to urge me towards the difference between fruit of life and forbidden fruit in Genesis.
Also, grapes and figs are contrasted from thorns and thistles. Thorns and thistles sting and cut people. Figs and grapes feed and edify.
RevDWW
07-03-2009, 02:21 PM
That's an interesting point. Maybe for the fruits to be displayed prominently in our lives, the flesh must be crucified daily so that we walk after the things of the Spirit?
In this context the tree is pruned by nature or the farmer. Nature prunes the tree with the storm, in flashes of lightning and strong winds, the farmer performs careful trimming. Either way the dead and dying branches are striped away so that more sustenance can get to the fruit.
RevDWW
07-03-2009, 02:27 PM
Yes, the wrong culture is emphasized. Imagine if we knew everyone walking into the church doors was a Christian based on their sunny dispositions and overall friendliness rather then the clean shaven faces, skirts and poofs?
And since everyone has bad days, this IS truly hard! It is why it is not hammered day in and day out like other "standards" are -no automatic "amens!" when a preacher screams for "people to be long suffering toward your neighbor!". After all, they have Jezebel in the vocabulary when mentioning make-up. No such euphemism for long suffering, meekness and love.
Folks can see the Joy of the Lord on those that are fruit producers even if they are not having a good day or week or month or perhaps even year. Happiness is predicated on external stimuli while true joy comes from the internal working of the Holy Ghost.
I had the Vice-president of a company I worked for tell me one day, that I was the most charismatic person he knew, but it was one of the worst weeks for me that week. I was not a happy camper. But thankful the joy of the Lord was my strength and he saw that instead of my grouchy ole self........:thumbsup
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